Severe Weather Warning: A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.

Severe Weather Watch: A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.

The City of Plano does not have any public storm shelters. It is impractical in dense, urban areas to have the volume necessary for public shelters. The fast-developing weather systems in our area necessitate immediate sheltering inside individual, sturdy structures. Once a warning is issued, no one should be driving.

The Outdoor Warning System has 37 sirens located throughout the city. When certain warnings are issued, the sirens are activated to warn people to move inside and turn on an information source. With today’s air-conditioned homes and people moving in vehicles, outdoor sirens should not be relied upon as the sole alerting method. Residents are encouraged to purchase a weather alert radio for indoor warning purposes.

When you hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens, you should immediately go inside and turn on an information source; do not call 9-1-1 unless you need an emergency response.

If advised to take cover, go to an interior windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of the building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Stay away from windows and doors. Get under something sturdy such as a table and if possible, cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. It is strongly recommended that residents designate a shelter area for their home in advance and practice going to that area as a family.

If you are in a public building or at work during a severe storm, seek shelter on the lowest level of the building. You can also use the fire escapes or windowless restrooms as shelter areas. The expiration time of the warning will be included in the National Weather Service warning message. Remember to designate your shelter area in advance; there will be less confusion during severe weather if the location is pre-determined. Offices should hold tornado drills often.